Cheti festival in Padder | A winter spectacle

Sadaket Ali Malik

In their temples, you’ll hear the beats of Dhoons (traditional drums), the rhythm of nagaras, and the tunes of flutes, playing ragas for different deities. The Kharzath dance is famous here, performed in temples and on special occasions. Temples dedicated to Serpent Gods still stand, adorned with wooden carvings of snakes. Most people here are Pahari Hindus, and the culture is similar to Pangi in Himachal Pradesh and Bhaderwah.

There are many folk songs and stories called sugli. Kharzath is a popular dance, and traditional Padderi dress includes Chadar (Pattu) and Joji for women, and Kamri (Chola), Sutad (lower garment), and Toot (traditional Padderi topi) for men. These traditional outfits complete the cultural look of Paddar.

The Cheti festival in Padder, set against the picturesque landscapes of Gandhari, Pallali, and Machail, unfolds as a unique winter celebration that embraces the magic of heavy snowfall and a spirit of communal warmth. In these enchanting terrains, the festival becomes more than just a seasonal observance; it transforms into a testament to the resilience, warmth, and shared joy of the people who call these snow-covered landscapes home.

Padder, with its challenging weather conditions and geographical isolation, becomes a canvas for the Cheti festival to paint a vibrant picture of community spirit. Gandhari, in particular, takes center stage in these celebrations, where locals defy the harsh winter elements to participate in the festivities with great enthusiasm. The heavy snowfall, which blankets the region, adds a touch of magic to the overall ambiance, turning Padder into a winter wonderland.

What makes Cheti truly special is the emphasis on connection and togetherness. Despite the snow and cold, individuals from the community make the effort to visit each other’s homes, exchanging warm wishes and fostering a sense of bonding. This tradition not only adds a personal touch to the festival but also provides a unique opportunity for those confined by snow to connect and celebrate the winters together.

Imagine the scenes in Gandhari during Cheti – houses adorned with warmth and festivity, locals braving the cold to share laughter and joy, and the snow-covered surroundings creating a magical backdrop. The exchange of greetings becomes a ritual that transcends the weather conditions, serving as a powerful means to strengthen community ties and bring people together in the true spirit of the season.

Cheti becomes a cherished occasion for those who might feel isolated by the snow, breaking the winter solitude and creating a sense of unity. It acts as a symbol of resilience, community, and the ability to find joy in the midst of challenging weather conditions. In essence, Cheti transforms the barriers presented by heavy snowfall into opportunities for communal bonding, weaving a narrative of unity in the face of nature’s winter embrace.

Delving beyond the surface-level celebrations, Cheti holds symbolic significance in embracing winter not just as a season but as a time for connection and togetherness. The festival acknowledges the challenges posed by heavy snowfall but transforms them into opportunities for communal bonding, creating a narrative of unity in the face of nature’s winter embrace. The festival serves as a reminder that even in the coldest and most challenging times, the warmth of human connection can prevail. It becomes a celebration of resilience, a showcase of the community’s ability to endure and find joy in the midst of adversity. Cheti, with its focus on community gatherings and shared celebrations, becomes a means of preserving the community spirit in Padder.

The geographical challenges and harsh weather conditions in Padder do not dampen the spirits of the people during Cheti. Instead, the festival becomes a testament to the resilience and warmth of the community. It is a time when the snow-covered landscapes are not barriers but opportunities for people to come together and celebrate the winters with a spirit of warmth and togetherness.

Cheti is not merely a celebration of winter; it is a celebration of community, resilience, and shared joy. The exchange of greetings, the meetings amidst snow, and the acknowledgment of the beauty in winter create a unique cultural narrative in Padder. The festival becomes a time when the snow-covered landscapes serve as a backdrop for the people to come together and celebrate the winters with a spirit of warmth and togetherness.

As the snow falls and blankets the region, Cheti becomes a collective expression of the community’s ability to find joy in the midst of winter’s challenges. The festival weaves a narrative that transcends the physical barriers created by heavy snowfall, transforming them into opportunities for connection and celebration. In the heart of Gandhari, Pallali, and Machail, Cheti emerges as a vibrant celebration of life, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a community that thrives even in the harshest winter conditions.